A substance derived from cannabis may attenuate the addictive effects of cocaine

News from DCEXS-UPF

A new study conducted in laboratory animals shows that cannabidiol, a substance derived from cannabis, can be useful in reducing the addictive effects of cocaine. The study, published in the journal Neuropharmacology, has been developed by the research group in Behavioural Neurobiology (GReNeC-NeuroBio) at Pompeu Fabra University.

Addiction to cocaine is a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive search for and use of the drug, despite its harmful consequences. Cocaine is the second most consumed illegal drug in Europe and the United States, however, there are no effective treatments, hence the need to develop new therapeutic strategies.

The researchers administered cannabidiol repeatedly in experimental models of cocaine addiction. These mice, when pressing a lever, self-administer a dose of the drug voluntarily. “To determine if cannabidiol can attenuate the reinforcement of cocaine, we evaluate the behavioural responses induced by the drug. We saw that cannabidiol reduced the voluntary consumption of cocaine and the effects of reward and reinforcement”, explains Miguel Ángel Luján, first author of the article.

“Our study provides new evidence on the possibility of using cannabidiol as a therapeutic tool. It has also allowed us to better understand the modulating role of this compound in the signalling pathways underlying cocaine consumption”, concludes Olga Valverde from the DCEXS-UPF.